Hepatitis C and Tattooing: Can You Get Hepatitis From Tattoos?

Whether it is for symbolic sentimentalities, self-expression, artistic freedom, or a visual display of a personal narrative, tattoos have always remained popular for a multitude of reasons. As the art form continues to move from the fringes into the mainstream, many have begun to wonder whether it poses any risk of infection from blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis C.

Continue reading further to learn about the possible health risks associated with infected tattoos.

WHAT DISEASES CAN YOU GET FROM TATTOOS?

When you receive a tattoo, a tattoo artist uses a handheld machine with an attached needle (called a tattoo gun) to puncture the skin. As this device makes a hole, it injects ink into a person’s second layer of skin known as the dermis. As a result of the broken skin, certain infections can theoretically be passed from one customer to the next if the gun or needles aren’t properly disinfected. Which in turn makes you accessible to microbes (bacteria, viruses) that can enter your bloodstream.

Regardless of a person’s reasons for getting a tattoo, damage to the skin can cause minor to severe health complications such as:

• Allergic reactions to tattoo pigment dyes may develop in the form of a rash depending on the person.
• Skin infections such as a Staph infection (MRSA) or Cutaneous Tuberculosis 
• Burning or swelling at the tattoo site
• Granulomas or nodules of inflamed tissue can occur around the tattoo
• Keloids or overgrowth of scar tissue can develop
• Bloodborne diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and Tetanus

CAN YOU GET HIV FROM TATTOOS?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of HIV through tattooing is considered low to negligible. While CDC accedes that there is a theoretical risk of transmission, there has yet to be a single documented case of HIV by any form of body art. This is because transmission could only occur if:

• A person undergoing tattooing has a high HIV viral load in their blood
• The person bleeds significantly on the equipment
• The equipment is not disinfected between customers
• Blood from the contaminated equipment then enters the next customer’s body in significant quantities for the infection to take place. 

WHAT HEPATITIS CAN YOU GET FROM TATTOOS?

As tattoo needles puncture the skin and cause bleeding, Hepatitis is amongst the likeliest viral infections to be transmitted. You should be alarmed if the tools aren’t properly sterilized and the overall establishment has poor infection control standards. The most common way Hepatitis C spreads is through the shared use of contaminated needles and equipment used for drugs. Sharing personal items that may come into contact with blood such as a razor or even a toothbrush can also spread HCV.

Approximately 2.7 – 3.9 million Americans are currently living with a chronic form of this infection. For those who aren’t familiar with the effects of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), it causes a chronic liver infection which can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, and even liver failure.

TIPS FOR SAFE TATTOOS

Here are a few safety tips that may be common knowledge for most people. However, it doesn’t hurt to review some safety measures for people who are deciding on getting their first tattoo.

• Get a tattoo from a licensed, reputable facility. Keep in mind that tattoo regulations and requirements vary by state. Therefore, check with your local department of health.
• Choose another facility if there is evidence of poor hygiene such as work surfaces, chairs, and equipment not properly cleaned and sterilized.
• Check to make sure your artist uses a fresh pair of gloves and washes their hands before starting the procedure.
• Make sure you observe your artist removing needles from a new, sealed package. Needles and razors should never be reused.
• The area of skin being tattooed should be swabbed with a disinfectant such as alcohol before tattooing.
• Fresh tattoos should be covered with sterile gauze or a bandage.

FINAL THOUGHT

As part of Hepatitis Awareness Month, Soma Tech Intl would like to help support raising health prevention and awareness towards Hepatitis. If you are considering getting a tattoo, ask the staff at the parlor what procedures they use to prevent hepatitis from tattoos and other transmitted blood-borne diseases. Ask for proof that the artist performing the procedure is licensed and that the license is up to date. 

Did you enjoy this blog article? Do you currently have or thinking about getting a tattoo? Share your thoughts and leave us a comment below!